Abstract: Techniques are presented for query generation, population, and management. Queries are generically defined with metadata. The metadata identifies specific queries and specific parameters associated with a given query. When a query instance is desired, parameter values are dynamically acquired and used to populate portions of the metadata associated with a desired query. The query instance may then be executed as desired.

Abstract: A truck mounted concrete mixer includes a mixing drum (1) rotatable about longitudinal axis (2) having a drum head (3) and an open end (4) to receive batch materials to be mixed. A pair of generally helical mixing blades (5) are disposed within the drum (1) but instead of extending to the drum head (3) as occurs in standard concrete mixers, the mixing blades terminate short of the drum head (3) and a second blade (6) extends from each mixing blade (5) toward the drum head (3) at an angle of about 90° to the helical blade (5) and at a height greater than that of the adjoining mixing blade. This height difference defines a spillway formation (7) above the mixing blade (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for cement blending includes a pressure vessel for containing a slurry and an agitating member which mixes the slurry within the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel includes a first inlet for connection to a source of pressurized driving fluid and a first outlet through which the slurry can be discharged when the pressure vessel is pressurized by the driving fluid. The apparatus is capable of blending a thick slurry of water and cement. A vibrating mechanism vibrates the vessel to facilitate mixing of the slurry and discharge of the slurry from the vessel by the driving fluid.

Abstract: An arrangement (10) for mounting a lens for axial movement comprises a housing (12) defining an axially extending bearing surface (14) and a lens carriage (16) including least three circumferentially spaced bearings (20, 21, 22) in contact with the bearing surface (14) and permitting axial movement of the carriage (16) relative to the housing (12). One of the bearings (20) is biassed towards the bearing surface (14). In use, the arrangement (10) maintains a three-point contact between the lens carriage (16) and the bearing surface (14) despite geometrical variations in the surface.

Abstract: A method for the dense-phase flow of particulate solids utilizes a pressurized feeder and flow splitter which transports and equally divides particulate material at essentially the bulk density with only the gas contained in interstices of the solid particles being used to transport the particles. The feeder comprises a vessel which is pressurized, a gas source for pressurization and an outlet line with a full opening valve located immediately adjacent to the feeder. The loaded vessel containing particulate matter is pressurized, followed by opening the valve adjacent the feeder, the valve and relatively empty downstream line when flow is initiated being the key to successful operation of the dense-phase feeder. The downstream flow divider evenly distributes the dense-phase material to, for example, a multiplicity of feed passages in a multi-passage injector.